Really really excited

I have for several years been wanting to produce a frame constructed out of stainless steel rod. With the new Workspace Benching support structure I had the elements have allowed me to explore shapes not only in harmony with the triangular construction of the main support beams but having the physical strength to carry work surfaces and screens.

The visual lightness of the rod section having a high polished finish together with the triangular construction shape has given me a quality of design finish that can be equally used in benching configurations, single desks conference and meeting tables. The upper frame assembly of the design being exceptionally versatile that can be amended to suit many different applications with exceptional spans achievable.

The design is not for the mass market, I believe its appeal is to a small group of designers who appreciate a design that is different to the norm but having a practical base. Added to the basic design when used for benching or meeting tables, where cable reticulation is required, the wire element is reflected in the CPU holders, cable trays and vertical cable reticulation.

My next task is to utilise the concept incorporating glass to produce an executive desk or table. It is such great fun at times to play with designs such as this and I am most fortunate in not only having my own factory enabling me to experiment but not being part of the corporate world I do not have Accountants to dictate the way. It would be beautiful to have an unlimited budget for research and development but the local market does not allow for such luxuries.

Words communicate the way I feel about this new design BUT graphic images complete the picture, a love it or hate it design BUT not for the mass market.

Don’t ask yourself

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~Attributed to Howard Thurman

In May of last year Mathew, my youngest son, who had been with WORKSPACE since 2000 when we started manufacturing said that he wanted to leave to concentrate on his passion for drumming. Two years ago he had rejoined the Cape Town Highlanders and has worked himself up to not only second side drummer and also teaching drumming at Bishops. To follow your passion is great to enthuse youth by that passion is even better.

To agree, let Mathew leave to pursue that love I had no problem with as he was just emulating that which I do on a daily basis that is following my passion in design.

 To finance his passion he decided to start his own company “DESIGN EXECUTIVE BARS” focusing on the hiring out Bars for functions and similar commercial social events. Through the services of Workspace Solutions the bars were to his directive designed and manufactured to his directive. With the marketing concept we decided to aim more at the executive end of the market where there seemed to be an opening for a quality well designed product whilst still keeping functionality to the fore. 

The product as seen in the photographs uses a combination of glass and stainless steel cladding on a steel knock down structure that gives an ease of transport and combination of assembly formats. I believe the illustrations show we have successfully fulfilled the brief.

To anyone wishing to follow their passion the words attributed to Howard Thurman are a positive motivating factor BUT accept that at times following your passion can be a lonely place being out there on your own not being able to share that which drives you forward, nevertheless for me the pro’s far exceed the con’s.